A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study Assessing Incidence and Risk Factors for Acute Transfusion Reactions in Cats
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of blood product transfusion reaction (TR) in cats varies greatly. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the incidence and practices surrounding acute TRs in cats receiving feline blood products, using Transfusion Reaction Small Animal Consensus Statement (TRACS) definitions. ANIMALS: Cats (n = 444) that received feline blood products (n = 608) between March 2022 and January 2024. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter observational study at referral hospitals (n = 14) in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia documenting the incidence of acute TRs in cats receiving allogenic blood transfusions. RESULTS: Acute TR incidence was 7.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-10.6) for red blood cell (RBC)-containing products and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.0-5.9) for plasma products. Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) were the most common in RBC-containing products (incidence, 5.7%; 95% CI, 3.8-8.1). Age of RBC unit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.04 per day; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07) and administering a RBC unit with an infusion pump rather than a syringe driver (aOR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.43-15.54) were associated with an increased odds of FNHTR. Of transfusions discontinued (n = 28) because of a potential TR, 46.4% did not fulfill TRACS criteria for any TR. Death occurred within 24 h of a transfusion event in 18.3% but was not associated with the development of a TR (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.29-1.99). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Transfusion reaction incidence in cats, as defined using TRACS guidelines, is reported. Febrile nonhemolytic TRs were the most common and were associated with increasing RBC unit age and administering RBC via an infusion pump.
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.70246
Authors: Georgina B. F. Hall, Rachael Birkbeck, Benjamin M. Brainard, Fernanda Camacho, Elizabeth B. Davidow, Dana N. LeVine, Andrew Mackin, Taylor Moss, Katherine J. Nash, Giacomo Stanzani, Daria Starybrat, David Q. Stoye, Carolyn Tai, John Thomason, Julie M. Walker, K. Jane Wardrop, Helen Wilson, Virginie A. Wurlod, Karen Humm
Institutions: Royal Veterinary College, University of Georgia, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, The University of Queensland, University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford, Tufts University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Washington State University, University of Bristol, Louisiana State University
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W4414619420